Washington landlord repair timeline
How long does a landlord in Washington have to repair?
The clock most states set starts at the tenant’s written notice. Here is what the statute says, with the official source. It is general information, not legal advice.
- What it sets
- After written notice, start within 24 hours for no heat, water or electricity or an imminent hazard; 72 hours for a refrigerator, range and oven or major plumbing fixture; 10 days for the rest
- Statute
- RCW 59.18.060 and 59.18.070
- Official source
- Washington RCW 59.18.070
Not an emergency service. For a fire, a gas leak or anyone in danger, call 911 or the gas utility.
What Washington law says, line by line
Each line restates the text it cites. Check the current version before you rely on it.
Written notice goes to the person the landlord designated or who collects rent, naming the premises, the owner if known and the defect.
RCW 59.18.070Work starts within 24 hours for no hot or cold water, heat or electricity, or a condition imminently hazardous to life.
RCW 59.18.070(1)Work starts within 72 hours for a refrigerator, range and oven, or major plumbing fixture the landlord supplied.
RCW 59.18.070(2)Everything else gets 10 days.
RCW 59.18.070(3)The burden is on the landlord to see the work is completed promptly, and delays beyond their control still require a fix as soon as possible.
RCW 59.18.070
Checked October 21, 2026
Turn the statute into your own response times
City rules and your leases can be stricter than the state. Write your times as the strictest of the three.
- Count from when the tenant told you, because many deadlines start at notice
- Put heat, water, power and anything dangerous at the top, day or night
- Ask for notice in writing, and reply in writing, so the record exists if anyone asks
- Record every step with a time: the first reply, the booking, the visit and the confirmation
A question managers ask about Washington
No. RCW 59.18.070 sets when remedial action must begin. The landlord still has to see the work completed promptly.
Managing in another state? Pick it hereThe same leak can have a different clock across a state line.
The clock starts at the tenant’s notice Ours answers at any hour